Ethereum News

Ethereum (ETH) was launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and a team of co-founders as the world's first programmable blockchain, enabling smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) that extend far beyond simple peer-to-peer transactions. After transitioning from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake consensus through "The Merge" in 2022, Ethereum now processes transactions more efficiently while maintaining its position as the foundation for decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 innovation.

The Ethereum ecosystem encompasses thousands of decentralized applications, from DeFi protocols like Uniswap and Aave to NFT marketplaces, gaming platforms, and layer-2 scaling solutions like Arbitrum and Polygon. Developers, validators, and users interact within this programmable economy where ETH serves as both a digital currency and the fuel powering smart contract execution through gas fees.

CoinDesk covers all aspects of Etherum, from protocol upgrades and scaling developments to DeFi innovation and regulatory implications. Our reporters track everything from Ethereum's roadmap milestones and staking developments to the broader implications of programmable money and decentralized autonomous organizations.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person.

Tech

Hello Holesky, Ethereum’s Newest Testnet

The new network comes after years of growth for Ethereum’s developer community and will replace the Goerli testnet.

By Margaux NijkerkSep 13, 2023

Videos

Metamask Co-Founder on Snaps Launch: It's 'Basically a Plug-In System for the Wallet'

Ethereum developer Consensys announced a new feature called "MetaMask Snaps," allowing users to choose from a variety of app-like or add-on customizations for their browser extension. MetaMask co-founder Dan Finlay discusses the Snaps rollout and why it's the first step towards building a permissionless ecosystem.

Sep 13, 2023

Tech

Namesake of Ethereum's 'Danksharding' Says 'Data Availability' Too Confusing a Term

The Ethereum Foundation's Dankrad Feist says he thinks a lot of people are stumped by the term "data availability," even as the concept gains momentum in blockchain tech circles.

By Bradley KeounSep 12, 2023

Ethereum Foundation researcher Dankrad Feist, namesake for "proto-danksharding," a major component of Ethereum's upcoming "Dencun" upgrade. (Bradley Keoun)

Videos

Ethereum's Vitalik Buterin Outlines Way for Blockchain 'Privacy Pools' to Weed Out Criminals

Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of the Ethereum network, and four co-authors published a research paper last week, detailing a new technological feature called "privacy pools" and how it can be applied to blockchain protocols to distinguish honest users from criminals. Chainalysis chief scientist Jacob Illum, who is one of the co-authors, discusses the key takeaways. "The goal is try to bring forward technologies that can bring more people into the blockchain space," Illum said.

Sep 11, 2023

Podcasts

Could This Vitalik-Backed Protocol Bring Privacy to a Regulated Crypto World?

By Laura ShinSep 8, 2023

Jeremy Allaire on Circle's ‘Multi-Decade’ Strategy and Where Stablecoin Regulation Is Headed

Markets

Grayscale Ethereum Trust Discount Drops to Lowest in a Year Amid Spot Ether ETF Push

The fund's discount to NAV had ballooned to nearly 60% late in 2022.

By Krisztian SandorSep 8, 2023

Grayscale Ethereum Trust discount and ETH price (CryptoQuant)

Tech

The Protocol: Ethereum Learns of Potential Defector as ‘Supreme Court’ Mooted

What is a blockchain “sequencer?” Here’s why you need to know, along with all the latest updates on crypto tech news and fundraising announcements.

By Bradley KeounSep 6, 2023

Tech

Ethereum's Vitalik Buterin Argues for Blockchain 'Privacy Pools' to Weed Out Criminals

The paper argues for “privacy pools,” a tech feature that would enhance the privacy of user’s transactions while also separating criminal activity from innocent funds in different sets.

By Margaux NijkerkSep 6, 2023

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin. (CoinDesk)

Tech

‘Sequencers’ Are Blockchain’s Air Traffic Control. Here’s Why They’re Misunderstood

Leading rollup operators are criticized for using "centralized sequencers" to package transactions and pass them down to Ethereum, but the real risks may lie elsewhere.

By Sam KesslerSep 6, 2023